Parenting is such a mystical invitation—if you can feel transcendent in this, you can feel it anywhere….i used to think I had to go to a mountaintop. Now I know the mystery’s unfolding right on my kitchen floor.
The first is about finding happiness in little things. Years ago I saw a ceramic tile in a mail order catalog that defined HAPPINESS as "Having Absolute Pure Pleasure In Normal Everyday Simple Stuff". I didn't buy the plaque but I sure memorized it.
The second is on your finding that what you do is fun. The British playwright and performer Noel Coward said about his life that "Work is more fun than fun."
I felt that moment in your room, the view from your window, the sound of your son’s laughter, the scent of your tea, and the snug of your sweater. that was beautiful, numinous.
It seems like what you're saying is, you're more able to see and feel what is here, now. You're more available to it. You convey that sensation really beautifully.
Sounds like you’re in a good place. Hard earned, for sure, based on what I’ve read of your past experiences. It’s inspirational for me to read about people who are finally able to celebrate their life after a long period of struggle. It gives me hope. I’m struggling to write as I don’t want to write about the past — the past tense. I don’t see a purpose in rehashing it all over again. The past is gone. I can’t change it. Your work offers positive messaging in a world that can feel drowned out in negative messaging. Where’s the good news? There’s not always a silver lining in difficult times — but there is always hope of better days ahead despite the headlines.
I feel you on not wanting to write about the past. Sometimes I feel guilty about contributing to the genre of writing that essentially just compares your advanced, amazing present-day self to the less advanced self you used to be. But at the same time, that's kinda what life is all about, right? Thanks for this, Anna.
So much to be said for the simple life, living in the here and now. It’s not an easy place to get to, the rewards come after the deep work.
My greatest lesson the year before last was that challenges will always arise, people in our lives will die, we will get ill (or injure ourselves). It’s the support we put in place for ourselves and have around us, our ability to learn to respond rather than react, create space for all that life has to offer and that incudes all the lows as well as the highs.
We have a lot to unlearn as we relearn. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Parenting is such a mystical invitation—if you can feel transcendent in this, you can feel it anywhere….i used to think I had to go to a mountaintop. Now I know the mystery’s unfolding right on my kitchen floor.
The kitchen floor and living room are especially lit these days, yes, love this, mystical parenting
Two comments, neither one original.
The first is about finding happiness in little things. Years ago I saw a ceramic tile in a mail order catalog that defined HAPPINESS as "Having Absolute Pure Pleasure In Normal Everyday Simple Stuff". I didn't buy the plaque but I sure memorized it.
The second is on your finding that what you do is fun. The British playwright and performer Noel Coward said about his life that "Work is more fun than fun."
Those are both excellent quotes, you undersold them!
😘💜🌈
<3
I felt that moment in your room, the view from your window, the sound of your son’s laughter, the scent of your tea, and the snug of your sweater. that was beautiful, numinous.
Thank you, thank you
It seems like what you're saying is, you're more able to see and feel what is here, now. You're more available to it. You convey that sensation really beautifully.
Still a practice, as always, but yes, that's a perfect summary. Thank you so much.
Sounds like you’re in a good place. Hard earned, for sure, based on what I’ve read of your past experiences. It’s inspirational for me to read about people who are finally able to celebrate their life after a long period of struggle. It gives me hope. I’m struggling to write as I don’t want to write about the past — the past tense. I don’t see a purpose in rehashing it all over again. The past is gone. I can’t change it. Your work offers positive messaging in a world that can feel drowned out in negative messaging. Where’s the good news? There’s not always a silver lining in difficult times — but there is always hope of better days ahead despite the headlines.
I feel you on not wanting to write about the past. Sometimes I feel guilty about contributing to the genre of writing that essentially just compares your advanced, amazing present-day self to the less advanced self you used to be. But at the same time, that's kinda what life is all about, right? Thanks for this, Anna.
As you did for me when you arrived, the best is yet to come!
I can sense the wildness brewing in him
So much to be said for the simple life, living in the here and now. It’s not an easy place to get to, the rewards come after the deep work.
My greatest lesson the year before last was that challenges will always arise, people in our lives will die, we will get ill (or injure ourselves). It’s the support we put in place for ourselves and have around us, our ability to learn to respond rather than react, create space for all that life has to offer and that incudes all the lows as well as the highs.
We have a lot to unlearn as we relearn. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Beautifully put, Amber.
🥲 felt it. Related to it. Get it ❤️
Fuck yeah man, exquisite reflections as always, here's to another year even richer than could be imagined from today 👊